As the biting cold of winter descends upon us, the harsh reality of homelessness becomes even more pronounced. While media often captures the stark image of individuals sleeping on the streets, the face of family homelessness is often concealed, earning it the term “hidden homelessness.” In Calgary, where frigid temperatures are a common occurrence, families facing housing instability endure unique challenges during the winter cold snap. In Calgary, where frigid temperatures are a common occurrence, families facing housing instability endure unique challenges during the winter cold snap.
Unlike the more visible form of adult homelessness, families dealing with housing instability often resort to temporary solutions like couch surfing, living in cars or RVs, and seeking shelter in motels. This hidden nature makes it challenging for the public to grasp the full extent of the problem, especially during winter.
One of the immediate impacts of winter on families facing housing instability is not just the post-holiday budget crunch but a surge in utility bills. When utility bills increase, this puts pressure on limited budgets, which could jeopardize a family’s ability to maintain housing, leading to more calls for support.
Meeting basic needs becomes an uphill battle during the winter cold snap. The costs of warm clothing and essentials strain already limited resources. Parents face difficult choices between groceries, bills, and winter necessities, exacerbating the challenge for many families without adequate shelter.
At Inn from the Cold, our family shelter experiences consistent demand throughout the year, but winter particularly affects our prevention and diversion program. We often see a surge in families calling us for support as they fall behind on bills and face eviction.
The prevention and diversion program aims to keep families in their homes, preventing homelessness. Emergency support, including financial aid and case management, helps families avoid the cycle of homelessness.
Highlighting the hidden struggle of families during winter is crucial. Understanding the unique challenges they face fosters empathy, raises awareness, and enables collective efforts to implement solutions addressing the root causes of family homelessness.
One of the best ways of breaking the cycle of homelessness is by helping as many families as possible never experience it. When you support Inn from the Cold, you support programs like Prevention and Diversion. Thank you for making a real difference for families facing homelessness.
